Dato' Norman Abdul Halim, a pre-eminent figure of the Malaysian music industry, has been appointed Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Regional Board of IFPI, the organisation representing the recording industry worldwide.

Dato' Norman is Executive President and Group Chief Executive Officer of KRU Group, a leading media and entertainment company in Malaysia. He rose to prominence as part of the Malaysian pop group KRU in 1992, alongside his two brothers, before founding KRU Music in 1996. KRU Group organically grew to become an integrated and diversified company actively involved in the film, music, advertising and education industries. In January 2016, he was awarded the title of Dato' by the Sultan of Pahang, Malaysia.

Dato' Norman takes over the role of Chairman, which rotates every two years, from Denis Handlin AM, Chairman & CEO Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, Sony Music Entertainment. Handlin will continue to serve as a member of the board.

Frances Moore, Chief Executive of IFPI, commented on the appointment: "Dato' Norman Abdul Halim brings an enormous amount of experience to the role of Chairman of the Board, both as an artist and a producer. I've no doubt his energy and vision will be a huge asset, driving the Board in its goal to develop a thriving recorded music market in the region."

"I would like to thank Denis Handlin for his excellent chairmanship over the past two years. His open and inclusive approach has fostered positive collaboration amongst the industry in the region. I am confident that Norman will continue the great work Denis oversaw in the role."

Dato' Norman Abdul Halim added: "It is a truly a great honour to be elected as the new Chairman of the IFPI Asia-Pacific Regional Board. Denis and his predecessors have left a great legacy and I will in my best endeavour continue to strengthen ties and collaboration amongst independent labels in the Asia Pacific region, with the strong support that I have been getting from the major record companies. I also hope IFPI will continue to foster positive relationships with governments throughout the region for the betterment of the music industry at large."

Denis Handlin commented: "I am delighted that Norman has agreed to take on the Chairman role. As an artist, producer and MD of a leading entertainment company, Norman brings with him a vast amount of experience and passion which will be of great benefit to the region. I look forward to continuing to work with him on the board and I know that Norman will ensure the increased collaboration throughout the region that we have achieved in the last two years will continue in a very positive way.

"I would like to thank my fellow Board members and IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore, Regional Director Kwee Tiang Ang, and his team for their great support and valuable contributions during my period as Chairman.

"It's an exciting time for the industry and IFPI's work to ensure constructive legislation to support investment in artists, industry services and achieve market growth is more important than ever before."